10 Best Knee Sleeves for Arthritis

Arthritis of the knee is a common and often debilitating condition. However, there are several steps you can take to manage your symptoms and maintain your lifestyle.

First and foremost, invest in a quality knee sleeve. Sleeves are especially beneficial for those with mild to moderate symptoms. Not only will the best knee sleeves for arthritis provide support and prevent further knee damage, but they also kill pain, reduce inflammation, and offer peace of mind.

We’ve chosen the ten best knee sleeves for arthritis to help you find relief fast and get back to the activities you love.

With front and back compression panels and two flexible gel inserts for ice therapy, Play Harder’s knee sleeve takes a two-pronged approach to inflammation and pain. It’s made from antimicrobial fabric that wicks away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable.

The nylon sleeve contains 88% copper. It’s breathable, anti-itch, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial. It offers light compression and allows a full range of motion, so it’s suitable for use during everyday activities and even at night.

Pros:

Discreet and comfortable

Copper reduces symptoms and is antimicrobial

100% money-back guarantee, no questions asked

Cons:

May not be suitable for people who need a high level of compression or support

This stylish and discreet knee sleeve provides moderate-to-high compression to protect and support the knees. It reduces swelling, soreness, and stiffness by heating the muscles and keeping the knee aligned.

This Ultra Flex sleeve promises not to slip or roll during activities like yoga, dance, and walking and is flexible enough to wear all day long.

This pair of discreet compression knee sleeves provide support and aid recovery—making them ideal for people with arthritis, as well as those with osteoporosis or post-surgery pain.

Mava Sports’ product is made with soft and light material to allow full knee mobility, meaning these sleeves can be worn all day long and even during activities. The bamboo charcoal fiber is designed for sensitive skin.

Specifically designed to alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis of the knee—as well as other knee conditions and injuries—Vive’s knee sleeves provide a good balance of support, compression, protection, and heat retention.

Made from a bamboo-charcoal blend, these sleeves are machine washable and breathable. They also have anti-microbial fibers woven into the sleeve for skin health.

This four-way compression sleeve by PowerLix is ergonomically designed to offer high-level protection while still allowing a full range of motion. Its stable pressure means arthritis and other knee conditions benefit from increased circulation and reduced pain levels.

The breathable fabric is anti-itch and absorbs sweat, keeping knees dry and odor-free. This sleeve can be worn during all activities.

This pair of compression sleeves promises to reduce the pain of arthritis and joint inflammation. Designed for everyday use and use during activities, these supports boast a reinforced stabilizer to keep the patella in place while supporting the knee ligaments.

This sleeve contains magnets—magnetic therapy is believed to increase circulation and reduce pain. The three-strap design provides a high-level of patella and knee support, and it's no-slip and form-fitting for use during any sport.

Note: Keep this sleeve away from pacemakers and other electronics. It is not suitable for those with metal in the knee or skin conditions.

Pros:

High levels of support—guaranteed 92% more knee support

Sturdy, non-slip design with straps

Lifetime money-back guarantee

Cons:

Brace is bulkier and less flexible than other knee sleeves due to high level of support

These premium knee sleeves are designed to keep the leg warm—boosting blood flow to the knee and relieving pain and inflammation. Vive’s sleeves provide support to reduce cramping and fatigue, while also preventing further injury.

This product is moisture-wicking and does not slip, bunch, blister, or chafe!

Pros:

Supportive, yet lightweight and comfortable

High-quality, moisture-wicking, anti-slip fabric

60-day guarantee

Cons:

Does not deliver a high level of compression

How a Knee Sleeve Can Help Arthritis

Knee sleeves play an important role in reducing your arthritis pain and inflammation— allowing you to get back to the things you enjoy. Here are a few of the many benefits of knee sleeves.

Supporting and Aiding Proper Alignment

A high-quality knee sleeve will keep the patella and ligaments of the knee in proper alignment. This relieves arthritis symptoms and reduces the risk of further injury or damage. Some knee sleeves also cushion the affected joints and relieve pressure on certain areas.

Some knee sleeves even contain materials such as copper, magnets, or ice packs to further reduce swelling.

Encouraging Activity and Movement

Staying active on a day-to-day basis, as well as engaging in recommended exercises, is key to managing arthritis pain. Let’s face it, immobility doesn’t do much for your quality of life!

With reduced levels of pain and swelling, you’ll be more likely to get out and about, exercise, and move more. Knee supports provide peace of mind while you engage in your favorite activities.

Preventing the Need for Surgery and Medication

If you can manage your arthritic knee pain through the use of knee sleeves, braces, or other treatments, you’re less likely to go under the knife. In addition, research found that 35% of people who wore knee braces or sleeves for six months were able to reduce their intake of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Maximize the Benefits of Knee Sleeves for Arthritis

Along with wearing a knee sleeve, there are several steps you can take to relieve the knee pain associated with arthritis.

To perform contrast therapy on your knees, alternate one minute of ice-pack application with three minutes of heat, for up to 15 minutes. Always begin and end with ice. You can repeat this protocol once or twice daily.

R&R

As much as your knee joints need to move, they also need to rest. Never overdo exercises—fatigue can lead to further pain and injury—and take regular breaks throughout the day.

If in doubt, ask your doctor or physical therapist to help you plan a weekly exercise regimen with adequate rest times scheduled.

Find the Best Knee Sleeves for Arthritis

Choosing the best knee sleeve for arthritis is one of the most important steps you can take for your knee health. A knee sleeve for arthritis will reduce your pain and inflammation and help you get back to doing all the things you enjoy!

Of course, caring for arthritis of the knee doesn’t stop there. Be sure to work with your doctor to create a treatment plan that’s right for you.

In the meantime, any of the sleeves on this list are sure to ease your symptoms and get you moving. Select the one that works best for you, and get back to living your life pain-free.

Jessica Hegg

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